Michael Paul Petrino, January 18, 1948 – December 9, 2022
In the early morning on December 9, 2022, Michael Paul Petrino was called to Heaven suddenly at the age of 74 at his home in Helena, MT.
Mike was born in Butte, MT, (a proud “Butte Rat”) to Vince and Ceil Petrino along with his identical twin Patrick Peter Petrino. A lifelong devout Catholic, he started his education at St. Ann’s Elementary school, then Butte Central High school, before finishing at Carroll College in Helena, MT. A multi-sport athlete who excelled in Football, Basketball, and Baseball took his love for sports and competing becoming teacher and coach throughout eastern Montana with stops in Saco, Forsyth, and Wolf Point. He led many successful teams during this time that includes leading the Forsyth Dogies to the 1976 State Track Championship.
In 1981 he moved his family to Kalispell, MT working in various professions so that he could coach his three boys. In 1993, he joined his older brother Bob Petrino at Carroll College as an assistant football coach until his retirement in 1998, and then completed his love for teaching fundamentals in football at Jefferson High School as an assistant coach. At this time, he started working for the state of Montana in the revenue department before retiring in 2015.
A loving family man who was married to his high school sweetheart Margaret “Peggy” Ann Petrino for 51 years. Together they had three boys Michael, Jason, and Jared. He was very passionate of them and the successes that they had as athletes, but even more proud of them as they became husbands, fathers, and successful within their professions. He loved talking to others about their journeys throughout the country and their success as teachers and coaches. He never stopped coaching his boys and pushed each of them to be great in all things that they did. His passion and love continued on as he became a grandfather. He loved watching and following them as well as hearing or seeing them succeed in the early stages of their life asking about them each individually.
As an educator and teacher, he loved the lifetime relationships that he had with his players, coaches, as well as coaches he competed against. He also loved watching the players that his children coached quizzing them on each one and watching them compete as well as being around them. He loved telling and listening to stories of his past, but also those that his kids coached and all the relationships that were developed.
His next passion were all things sports related especially the Green Bay Packers, Notre Dame Football, Carroll College Football, and golf. He loved talking about all the great coaches and their teams all always said the best ones were the most disciplined and fundamentally sound.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Vince and Ceil Petrino; his older brother, Bob Petrino, and brother-in-law, Fr. Mike O’Neill.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Petrino; three sons and their families: Mike and Kelly Petrino, Jason and Heather Petrino, and Jared and Alex Petrino; grandchildren: Jamieson and Hayden (Mike), Jason, Mikaylah, Patrick, and Danika (Jason), and Andrew and Tyler (Jared); his identical twin, Patrick Peter Petrino & wife Connie Petrino, sister-in-law Mary Kay Kanola, and brother-in-law Gerry O’Neill.
A Celebration of his life will be held at Our Lady of the Valley on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donation be made to Butte Central Athletics or Carroll College QB Club.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 22, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley
1502 Shirley Rd
Helena, MT
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 22, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley
1502 Shirley Rd
Helena, MT
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Shauna Longmire says
I worked with you a long time at DOR and we always had our different sports opinions!! We could agree on almost everything but your dang Packers and my dang Cowboys! R.I.P my friend! I will miss our talks and your smiles!!
Dan and Pat Hodge says
Dear Peggy’s Mike, Jason, Jared and families,
Dan and I send our sincerest sympathy and condolences in the passing of Mike. We have many memories of Mike and all the things he did as a coach, a father and a husband. He was a fine gentleman. Thoughts and prayers for each and every one of you. May your many memories help carry you through this difficult time. Wishing you all the best as you move forward.
With Our Sympathy,
Dan and Pat Hodge
Ron Iverson says
To Peggy and the entire Petrino family: I was truly saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. It must have been very sudden because I knew Mike to be in good health ever since I have known him. He was a football giant, and the football community, as well as his own family will miss him very much. I talked with him frequently while he was at the DOR, and every conversation was joyful and worthwhile–and many conversations with him and Peggy since that time. He had a unique sense of humor and loved talking football–especially his giant football coaching family. I am going to miss him. Ron Iverson
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Peggy & Family – Matt & I are so sorry to hear of Mike”s passing. He was a great guy God Bless you and your family. It was too soon for him to have left us but I guess we cannot make choices. Our prayers are with you and your family. Matt & Mary
JUDY T OBER says
Peggy
I am so sorry for your loss. Hope you are doing well
Prayers and thoughts were with you
Dolores Brinkel says
Peggy,
My sympathy and prayers are with you and yours.
Sister Dolores Brinkel
Colleen Barnard says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Mike Petrino was my basketball coach, teacher, and mentor at Saco High School fifty years ago. He was truly a wonderful man as he and Tom Lipp coached and encouraged us until we had the first girls team to run full court ! It was exciting and we were happy to make it to divisionals. All the students thought the world of Mr. Petrino and we dedicated the 1973 yearbook to him.
Rest in peace my friend until we get to play another game of basketball again.
Colleen Barnard
Boyd Bailey says
Pat,I have fond memories of you and Mike in St. Charles
hall back in the 60’s. I was so sorry to read of Mike’s passing, I have lost siblings but have no idea how it would be to lose a twin.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Steve ( Beetle) Bailey